It's in! The installation is complete of an artistic shade structure at the Karnes playground in the park. The piece 100% privately funded and was a cooperative effort designed by Rie Egawa + Burgess Zbryk (egawazbryk.com, instagram: @egawa_zbryk) and crafted at Hufft. The installation itself was donated by Kissick Construction. Of course Kansas City, MO Parks and Recreation approved the project at all stages. (These photos by @egawa_zbryk and Hufft workshop manager @sgb73 on Instagram.)

The piece it the fruition of a design competition held last year. (It was originally conceived as sitting atop the main mound in the playground, but that concept went away very early by consensus view of the architects, designers and construction professionals that weighed in.)

Our Pledge to Roanoke Park

Roanoke Park is an important historical Kansas City asset. Its value is greatest to its closest residents. Time and neglect have taken a toll on our neighborhood park. The wooded ravines have lost important trees and the rugged cliffs have become hidden by invasive plants. The park's beauty has become marred. Comparing old photos with more recent ones confirms that the park is not as enticing as it once was.

Even when Kansas City was not in such dire financial straits, city resources for the park have been sparse. Many neighborhood parks are being recognized for their value as neighborhood assets and sanctuaries of peacefulness in urban areas. This trend is sweeping the nation and the globe as neighborhood groups join together to support local parks that have suffered from urban decay and government neglect.

Our efforts on behalf of Roanoke Park are a public/private partnership initiative to honor the history and plant the future of Roanoke Park. We do this for the betterment of our city, and especially the neighborhoods that share Roanoke Park.